Paul Receives His Eagle Award

Paul became an Eagle Scout last Saturday.  He joins seven other Eagle Scouts in our family, including his dad, uncle, two grandpas, a cousin once removed, a great uncle and a great grandfather.  The Eagle award is the culmination of years of work on Paul's part, but more important than the award itself is what Paul has received through the process.  As Paul said in the speech he gave on Saturday, he has gained wisdom from the Scouting program.  He quoted Proverbs 3:13-18:

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.  She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.  Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.  Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed."

Through the Boy Scouts, Paul learned how to tie knots, build a campfire and respect the flag of the United States of America, but he learned many other skills as well.  These include leadership, etiquette, how to dress properly for business meetings, how to interact with the public, how to speak in front of a group, and how to work well with others. 

Paul and his dad (who is an assistant Scout master of Paul's troop) made many memories together through the Scouting program.  They winter camped, participated in a 50 mile canoe trip, hiked 100 miles in 12 days at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, hiked Mt. Adams and much more.

For his Eagle service project, Paul rebuilt a decaying bench shelter for those folks wishing to observe wildlife at a local wildlife preserve.  The wildlife preserve has always been one of Paul's favorite places, so it is fitting that his project benefitted the preserve and the people who visit there.

Grandpa Bob giving Paul the Eagle neckerchief.

Grandpa Tom giving Paul the same Eagle badge he received over 50 yrs. ago. (Paul also received a new Eagle badge.)

While Matt and I are proud of Paul and all of the work he has done to become an Eagle Scout, our main goal in having Paul join the Boy Scouts was not for him to get the Eagle award.  We wanted Paul's confidence and leadership abilites to increase and for him to grow in wisdom. We are pleased that this goal was met.  Paul plans to continue in the troop to help in a leadership capacity.

Little brother Joel gave the invocation & benedicton for the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony.

As friends and family gathered to celebrate with Paul last Saturday, the Lord reminded me of the many blessings He has showered on our family.  So many people surround us and love us.  So many people love our Paul as much as we do.  May the Lord be praised!

Paul received this flag from his dad & me.  15 stripes & 15 stars.  The same flag design that still flies over two places--Ft. McHenry (immortalized by Francis Scott Key during the bombardment of the fort in Sept. 1814) & Ft. Clatsop, where Lewis & Clark wintered on the West Coast before their return trip back to St. Louis in 1806.  Paul has always been a huge history buff, so we thought it fitting that we give him this flag, which actually flew over Ft. Clatsop for the month of January, 2018.  

The Eagle Scouts of the family who were able to make it to the ceremony.  From left to right: Uncle Trevor, Grandpa Tom, Paul, Matt (Paul's dad), &Grandpa Bob.

Paul with Grandma Dianne & Grandpa Bob (to whom Paul gave the Eagle mentor pin, "since Grandpa Bob kept prodding me along.")

Paul with Grandma Jane & Grandpa Tom

Paul with his mom & dad

(All photos by Grace Macduff.)